Milk Allergy in Toddlers – A Cause for Concern

Milk Allergy in Toddlers – A Cause for Concern

Milk allergy in toddlers is one of the common ailments that affect children all over the world in some form or the other. Milk allergy in toddlers gets detected in the initial phase of life, particularly when the gastrointestinal tract is not fully developed. Cow’s milk has the maximum chances of attracting an allergic reaction while breast milk has the least. Generally, the child starts showing symptoms after 30 minutes of the consumption of a milk product. Common symptoms include rashes, upset stomach, diarrhea, and sometimes, blood in the stool. Also, milk allergy in toddlers may trigger the onset of a respiratory ailment such as cold, cough, breathing difficulty, and the like. If you happen to see any of these symptoms in your child, it is time you visit a doctor. It should be kept in mind that with time, certain symptoms may vanish while new ones may occur. A pediatrician can be consulted for effective treatment who will provide your kid with the right treatment. The doctor should be informed if a family history of such form of allergy already exists to take into consideration any genetic causes. A few precautions can also be taken to prevent the very onset of the allergy in the first place. Breastfeeding – If the infant is only a few months old and has developed an allergy from breastfed milk, it is advisable to follow a lactose-free diet. To fulfill the milk requirements, calcium supplements can be taken by the mother. Cow’s milk should be given only under the recommendation of a doctor and that too as late as possible (minimum four months from the child’s birth). Alternative feeding options – If the infant is old enough to consume cow’s milk which is the reason for the outbreak of the allergy, milk substitutes such as soy or elemental formula can be given.
Guidelines for Backyard Mosquito Control

Guidelines for Backyard Mosquito Control

Sitting in the backyard and enjoying the weather can be an issue especially in warmer seasons when mosquitoes freely buzz around and pose a potential threat to the health of your family. Although mosquito repellants serve as an interim solution to this problem, a proper backyard mosquito control becomes essential for permanent results. Before finding out ways to get rid of these tiny insects, it essential to know about the breeding cycle as well as common locations where they might reproduce. Understanding the breeding cycle – A female mosquito has the capacity of laying eggs multiple times after one session of mating with the male mosquito. The surface of the water body is where t he mosquito lays eggs, and these do not hatch until the water level rises due to rain, etc. While mosquitoes grow in a typical larvae-pupae-adult cycle, the time duration taken by each stage will depend on the species present in the backyard. Adult mosquitoes are capable of biting in the winter season as well. Possible locations – The eggs are laid in damp areas such as water and marshes where there is sufficient amount of moisture. In the backyard, the hotspots include areas such as gutters, pots, tires, bird baths, buckets and the like. It is noteworthy that mosquitoes can fly up to forty miles from the place of their birth. Reducing breeding areas can at least prevent them from mating and producing more mosquitoes in the house. The size of mosquitoes may be small, but their sting can cause life-threatening diseases. There are numerous backyard mosquito control measures, and a combination can be undertaken for effective elimination. Some mosquitoes are resistant to certain forms of control methods and therefore, hiring the services of a professional pest controller can ensure that the right method is used.
5 Useful Things to Know about Hidradenitis Suppurativa

5 Useful Things to Know about Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a disease where the affected person gets painful bumps under their skin, mostly near the sweat glands. For now, there is no permanent cure for this affliction, but medical treatments and changes in lifestyle have proven to provide relief as well as reduce future flare-ups. Hidradenitis suppurativa occurs in places where the swear glands are located. The sweat glands are known as apocrine glands, which are located in places where an individual usually has hair, like under the arms, around the groin region and between the buttock cheeks. Bumps develop in these areas . This can also occur in areas where the skin frequently gets rubbed, like between the thighs and under the breasts. When these bumps break, they often leave behind tissue scars. Immediate treatment is required to prevent the infection from developing again in the same area. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a condition that lasts for a long time and can get very frustrating to deal with. It also takes an emotional toll. People suffering from this affliction should seek support from family and friends and maybe even join a support group. Skin conditions can have a physical and emotional toll on the patient and should be handled with care. Causes: The causes of hidradenitis suppurativa are not yet known, but it is proven that the skin problems begin when sweat glands become blocked. Most people see the first symptoms in their teens or during the twenties. It also happens to be more common in women as compared to men as well as in people who smoke or are overweight. It can also be hereditary as about one-third of the people who suffer from HS usually have another relative with the same problem. Medical researchers and scientists have not been able to pinpoint the causes for hidradenitis suppurativa, but it has been noted that it is not caused by the use of powders, deodorants or by shaving one’s underarms.
Effective Home Remedies to Treat a Runny Nose

Effective Home Remedies to Treat a Runny Nose

Although a runny nose is a very common problem, it can be pretty annoying and irritating at times. The major reason behind this issue is the presence of excess mucus in the nasal passages or sinus. When your body makes efforts to flush allergens, flu or cold viruses out of the body, you have to deal with increased mucus production. Most prominent causes of a runny nose are sudden weather changes, sinus infection, allergic reaction or a common cold. If this problem remains unattended, it often results in a headache, pain in the ear and coughing as well. What is the best runny nose treatment? You can find a lot of over the counter medications for this problem, but there are highly effective home remedies that offer immediate relief and reduce the intensity of the symptoms without inviting any unwanted side effects. Mustard oil is an excellent option The antihistamine properties of the mustard oil are a well-known fact and it also has antivirus and antibiotic properties. These qualities offer fast relief from different runny nose symptoms. A small quantity of mustard oil must be heated until it turns warm in a slight way and then, one or two drops of mustard oil to be poured into individual nostril using a dropper. This approach gets engaged in the process of clearing up the nasal passages and you can do it thrice a day. Another way is to combine one tablespoon of caraway seeds and three tablespoons of mustard oil and this mixture should be added to a pot of boiling water. When you inhale the steam, the respiratory system gets warmed up because of the powerful aroma of mustard oil and it can be done two times a day to enjoy maximum results. Ginger offers instant relief Ginger is a rich source of different types of antioxidants and it also has strong antifungal, antitoxic and antiviral properties to offer fast relief from a runny nose.
Benefits and Precautions of Vitamin D Supplements

Benefits and Precautions of Vitamin D Supplements

Vitamin D is very important for everyone to lead a healthy and longer life. Vitamin D is produced when we are exposed to the sunlight. There are many benefits to us from Vitamin D. The deficiency of Vitamin D can lead to many diseases and abnormalities in the body such as loss of immunity and problems in menstruation etc. In equatorial and Asian countries where there is plenty of sunlight all through the year, there are lesser complaints of deficiency of Vitamin D. In countries where there are long winters; many people suffer from the deficiency of Vitamin D. The amount of Vitamin D needed by the body depends on the age and the body type. The approximate amount of Vitamin D needed by infants is 200 IU and adults is 600 IUs The body absorbs less amount of Vitamin D as we age and so we age, the amount of Vitamin D needed will be more. Obesity is another factor which makes the absorption of Vitamin D difficult as the fat cells absorb a large amount of Vitamin D. It is advised by doctors and experts to take an approximate amount of 1,000 to 2,000 IUs of Vitamin D in the winter. The intake of Vitamin D is very important when the exposure to the sun becomes less especially in countries with harsh winters. Vitamin D helps in building the bones, cognitive function, improving the health of the joints. This vitamin also improves in maintaining the immunity, controlling the blood sugar levels, maintaining a positive mood etc. Vitamin D helps in preventing osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancer and many more diseases. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that the lifespan of anyone depends on the intake of Vitamin D. Doctors also recommend the consumption of Vitamin D supplements when there’s an extreme lack of the same.
Different Ways to Relieve Sinus Pressure

Different Ways to Relieve Sinus Pressure

To start with, Sinusitis is an inflammation or a swelling of the tissues that line the sinuses. Generally, the healthy Sinuses are filled in with air, but when these get filled with fluids, germs tend to accumulate and cause infections. The infections can be caused due to a common cold, swelling of the lining of the nose, nasal polyps which are basically the small growths in the lining of the nose, or a shift in the nasal cavity can also cause Sinus problems. A lot of people suffer from sinus pressure because of temperature changes, and a lot of them develop it because of pollen allergies as well. Sinus could be acute, subacute, chronic or recurrent. Sinuses are located all throughout the face in the form of small pockets, they are located below the cheeks, behind the eyebrows and the forehead, either side of the nose and also behind the nose. Sinus is a very common problem these days, and a lot of population suffers from the same. A large number of children are also now prone to sinus due to different allergies, or a common cold. The smoke in the air is also responsible for children to get sinus issues. There are obviously medical ways to treat sinus, but below are some easy and self ‘To-do’ methods to relieve sinus pressure and breathe a sigh of relief finally. The best way is to do is to realize what triggers the sinus issue and try to stay away from it or avoid that situation as much possible. Humidifier : The first thing would be is to use a humidifier or vaporizer, basically, inhale steam to open up the blocked nose and the nasal area. Steam inhalation has been proved to be one of the best remedies to cure a common cold which later on can lead to Sinus.
Neuropathy Foot Pain – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments and More

Neuropathy Foot Pain – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments and More

The nervous system is responsible for control and coordination of the body. It connects all the nerves in the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body such as face, feet, legs, hands, and face. Signals are carried by the nerves to the brain. Peripheral neuropathy disorder causes the dysfunction of the nerves. Damaged nerves don’t function properly and even transmit the pain signals to the body. Infection, injury, and genetic disorders cause the peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy disorder affects the three nerves an they are sensory, motor and autonomic nerves. The sensory nerves connect to the skin. Autonomic nerves connect to the internal organs, and the motor nerves are connected with the muscles. This problem impacts the normal functioning of these nerves. Symptoms of the Neuropathy Foot Pain: You will feel tingling sensation and pain in feet Numbness Thin Skin Constipation Decrease in the blood pressure Diarrhoea Excess Sweating on foot Sharp pain in foot Feeling of shock in the foot Heavy feeling in leg causing locking of legs Causes of the neuropathy foot pain Different factors cause the neuropathy disorder. If you have a family record of the disorder, you may likely have the problem. Apart from other causes of the foot pain are mentioned below. Chronic diabetes causes numbness and pain in feet due to the damaged nerves. Obese people or people suffering hypertension are also prone to the problem. Lack of essential vitamin which is responsible for good nerve health may aggravate the problem. Kidney failure results in the build-up of toxins and damages the nerves. Excess thyroid levels increase the fluid retention which exerts more pressure on the nerves. Prolonged inflammation obstructs the functioning of the nerves. Fractures and injuries can damage the nerves. Maintaining the same position for long hours increases the pressure on the nerves.
Gout – Diagnosis and Foods to Avoid

Gout – Diagnosis and Foods to Avoid

Gout is an acute form of arthritis and is often known as a disease of rich men as it occurs due to overindulgence in alcohol and other such products. Gout results in swelling and pain in the joints. Though gout is known to affect the biggest of the toe in most cases, at times, it does affect the ankle, wrist, elbow, and toe. Gout can be most effectively managed if the uric acid is in control. A typical gout attack can last up to four days and a person suffering from gout should follow the proper dietary advice besides taking the recommended medications so that any instance of gout comes under control. An increasingly common disease According to a health study which was carried among 52,000 people, it was found that around 4.1 percent people of the studied group were suffering from gout-related problems. The average age of gout infestation was found to be 44 years, but it was also seen that people as young as 16 years of age were also suffering from gout-related complications. It was assumed on the basis of this study that gout was a common phenomenon and it has started impacting young people with increasing intensity. This study also found out that men faced an increased risk of being affected by gout in comparison to women. The risk incidence among women increased only when they reached the menopause age. Gout is also known to occur in a combination of a host of diseases affecting the person alongside. These were found out to be high blood pressure, higher range of cholesterol, kidney and heart disease and diabetes. The most prevalent risk of gout occurring is when a high level of uric acid is reported in the blood. This leads to crystals of uric acid settling in the joints.
Hepatitis C – Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Hepatitis C – Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Hepatitis C is a viral infection caused by inflammation of the liver. In some cases, it can lead to serious liver damage in people with the condition. The disease mainly spreads through contamination of blood. Earlier the treatment of hepatitis C involved weekly injections that were given to patients and certain oral medications. However, many hepatitis patients could not take these medications due to their other health problems and due to side effects. Chronic HCV is curable using oral medications that are taken daily for at least two months. There are about half of the people suffering from HCV, and they don’t know they are infected. This happens when a person experiences no symptoms of the problem. Symptoms can take a decade to appear in many students. This is why the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention ask a person to get a one-time screening of blood test for those who can be at increased risk of infection. The largest group at the risk of the situation is born between 1945 and 1965. A population is five times more likely to get infected with the problem than people born in other years. Symptoms of hepatitis C There are many factors by which can determine if a person is suffering from hepatitis C. People suffer from long-term infection with hepatitis C virus. It is also known as chronic hepatitis C. Chronic hepatitis C remains silent for many years. This becomes evident sometimes when the virus has damaged liver enough to cause signs and symptoms to appear. Here are a few signs and symptoms of the condition. Easy bleeding Easy bruising Fatigue Poor appetite Discoloration of skin and eyes, a form of jaundice. Urine that is dark colored Itchy skin Abdomen fluid build up Leg swelling Weight loss Drowsiness Confusion Slurred speech Spider-like blood vessels in the skin or spider angiomas.
Effective Tips to Prevent Lower Back and Hip Pain

Effective Tips to Prevent Lower Back and Hip Pain

The hip is closely attached to the lower back by nerve referral. Normally the pain occurs at the lower back arises from the muscles that connect the back to the hip, or from the ligaments that connect the back and the pelvis. The pain may also arise from the act of impinging the nerve from the lumbar spine. Causes of lower back and hip pain When the gluteal muscle becomes stiff and overactive, it results in excess strain on the lower back. A person, who has to sit and work for a long period of time, tightens the muscles at the lower back. This is due to poor sitting posture and not stretching the body for a long time. If there is an injury on the gluteal muscle at any point of time, it may also result in such lower back pains. If the injury is not treated properly at that time, the injury may later tighten the muscle and can give hardship to the body. Sometimes the hold of the ligaments around the buttocks and pelvis may give the same kind of lower back pains. This area is also referred as sacroiliac joint. Due to the link of the lower back to the hip, such pain is felt at the hip. The treatment is done on the ligament which is strained. The lower back and the hip is a combination of some of the complex components, so the cause of pain at the hip can be for various reasons. Depending on the location of the pain, proper treatment can be started. Chronic hip pain can last more than six weeks. If the patient is suffering from arthritis, then the surface of the socket at the hip tends to become uneven resulting in impaired movement and the result will be an arthritic hip pain.
Dealing with Itchy Skin

Dealing with Itchy Skin

Facts about itchy skin: Pruritus is the medical term that is used to describe itchy skin. The most common causes of itching include exposure to sun, atopic dermatitis, dry skin, infestations, infections, chronic diseases, stings, bites and allergic reactions. Most anti-itch creams and lotions contain ingredients like pramoxine, diphenhydramine, caladryl, Benadryl, tronolane, camphor, benzocaine and menthol that bring relief to itchy skin. Corticosteroid medications also help in some instances of itching. Another thing that is considered necessary is to avoid scratching and making the condition of itching much worse. Any itching done can make the condition worse and lead to a bacterial infection. In case the itching persists for too long, gets worse or develops into skin lesions, it is better to consult a health care provider who can assess the situation. What is an itch? Irritation of the skin that creates the urge to scratch is known as an itch. Everybody at some point experiences itching and the symptoms of itching can be generalized, as in they can spread to different parts of the body or be localized, as in they are limited to one part of the body. In some cases, itching only occurs at night. Itching that spreads all over the body and is highly generalized is a lot more uncomfortable than localized itching that is contained in one spot. Skin lesions, rashes, blisters, bumps, abnormalities, and redness can also occur at the site of itching. A doctor or medical professional should evaluate any itching that comes along with visible physical skin abnormality of symptoms. In case a skin condition requires a specialized medical treatment, like in the case of skin conditions like scabies or eczema, a dermatologist should be consulted. The symptoms and other physical signs associated with pruritus or itching depend upon the main underlying cause of the problem and can be associated with different signs.
Diverticulitis Symptoms- What’s Causing Your Digestive Problems

Diverticulitis Symptoms- What’s Causing Your Digestive Problems

Here’s What is Causing Your Digestive Problems Diverticulitis is an inflammation of small pockets in the intestine. These are most commonly found in the large intestine but can occur anywhere along the digestive tract. Since the problem often goes unnoticed until it becomes more serious, it’s important to keep an eye out for diverticulitis symptoms. Diverticula are small pouches that appear on the walls of the large intestine. This occurs when the inner lining of the large intestine bulges out and forms small sacs in the outer lining. It can be caused by a consistently low-fiber diet which places your digestive system and intestines under immense pressure, leading to diverticula formation. The formation of these diverticula is called diverticulosis or diverticular disease. The inflammation of the diverticula is called diverticulitis. Diverticula are fairly common and have been associated with aging. With age, the walls of the intestines get weaker and the passing of hard food through it is enough to cause diverticula. It’s estimated that up to 50% of people in the world develop diverticula by the time they are 80 years old. Diverticulitis refers to the infection that occurs when there is bacterial growth within the diverticula. Diverticulitis symptoms can be severe and lead to complications such as abscesses in the intestine and even intestinal bleeding. Diverticular disease is often asymptomatic but as it progresses, you tend to have more pronounced diverticulitis symptoms. A low-fiber diet plays a significant role in the development of diverticulitis symptoms. Diverticulitis symptoms and signs Unfortunately, most cases of diverticulitis show no symptoms until the condition gets significantly worse. When there is an inflammation of the diverticula, the following diverticulitis symptoms may be noticed. Abdominal pain One of the most characteristic diverticulitis symptoms is a painful sensation in the lower left portion of the intestine.